The Rivers State Government has confirmed that the six-month emergency rule imposed earlier this year will officially be lifted, paving the way for the state’s return to full democratic governance.
To mark the transition, an interdenominational church thanksgiving service will be held on Sunday at the Ecumenical Centre, Abonima Wharf Road, Port Harcourt. According to the government’s announcement, guests are expected to be seated by 9:30 a.m., ahead of the 10:00 a.m. service.
A statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Ibibia Lucky Worika, invited key stakeholders including permanent secretaries, local government chairmen, heads of security and paramilitary agencies, traditional rulers, members of boards and governing councils, as well as captains of industry. Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-Ete Ibas, Sole Administrator of Rivers State, will serve as Special Guest of Honour.
“The Government of Rivers State is pleased to invite the Permanent Secretaries, Local Government Chairmen, Heads of State Security and Para-Military Agencies, Traditional Rulers, Chairmen and members of Boards and Governing Councils, Captains of Industries, Government Officials, and invited guests to the Inter-Denominational Church Thanksgiving Service, as part of transition activities to usher in Democratic Governance in Rivers State,” the statement read.
Vice Admiral Ibas, who was appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on March 18, 2025, following the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and state legislators amid a political crisis, declared on Friday that his mandate had been fulfilled.
The announcement was made during the presentation of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) report on the recently concluded council polls.
“With the peaceful conduct of local government elections and the swearing-in of elected chairmen and councillors across all 23 local government areas, I can confidently say the mandate has been achieved,” Ibas said.
President Tinubu had declared the emergency rule to restore order, re-establish democratic institutions, and stabilise the state after months of political unrest between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.
